Dondis Basic Elements- Web Design

http://www.originalplumbing.co m/

This example is using texture to create a visually stimulating web page title design. The "OP" title in the upper left corner uses the natural concrete texture from the image. The letters appear cut out from the image, also using the element of tone to create a perception of slight depth. Texture is interesting to the eye because it is tactile, the body responds to it. This site wants to engage the viewer in a tactile way. It is not trying to tiptoe around subjects, it want to be in your face. Though the colors are muted so as not to be obnoxious or flamboyant, the texture is stimulating.

http://www.indierockcafe.com/

This image uses color to create contrast. This website uses a simple background of black to make the content of the page appear bold. Color is also used in the site's title: indie rock cafe. The letters are alternated orange and black, colors that almost directly contrast according to established color models. This slight distortion and contrast makes the title strange to look at, even if the viewer is unsure why. Even though the font is ordinary and relatively small (especially compared to the logo in the site in my texture example), the color contrast makes it stand out.

http://themostcake.co.uk/

This image uses movement to engage a user. The page uses a monochromatic color scheme and little variation in front shape and size, but uses interactive motion to stimulate and and involve. When a user puts their cursor over one of the main images below the title, a description rolls upwards over the image, translucent so that the image can still partially be seen through it. Though movement is usually implied as a visual element, it is also useful as an interactive design technique. According to Dondis, it is a dominant visual force in the human experience. It can easily compensate for the other, more muted qualities of the website.